How to Be Aeronautical Structural Mechanic - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Dec 5, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Aeronautical Structural Mechanics are responsible for the maintenance and repair of an aircraft's frame and structure. They inspect, maintain, and repair components such as wings, fuselages, and tail assemblies, as well as the aircraft's skin and landing gear. The structural integrity of an aircraft is of utmost importance and Aeronautical Structural Mechanics play a vital role in ensuring the safety of flight.

Poor maintenance of an aircraft's structure can lead to catastrophic failures, resulting in costly damage and loss of life. Therefore, Aeronautical Structural Mechanics need to be highly trained and knowledgeable in order to perform their duties properly and maintain the safety of all passengers and crew.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Many employers prefer or require applicants to have completed a postsecondary education program in aviation mechanics.
Earn a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification for Airframe and Power Plant Mechanics. This certification is necessary to become an Aeronautical Structural Mechanic.
Gain experience as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician or similar role in the aviation industry. This experience can be obtained through apprenticeships, internships, or on-the-job training.
Complete the FAA's required training program for Aeronautical Structural Mechanics. This program may include classroom instruction and hands-on training.
Obtain the FAA's certification for Aeronautical Structural Mechanics. This certification is required to work as an Aeronautical Structural Mechanic.
Pursue additional specialized training in areas such as composite fabrication and repair, aircraft structures, and aircraft systems.
Maintain certification by attending classes and completing continuing education courses.
Stay up to date on the latest advancements in aeronautical structural mechanics by reading relevant literature and attending workshops and conferences.

Aeronautical structural mechanics are essential for the safety and efficiency of aircraft maintenance and operation. To be an ideal and qualified aeronautical structural mechanic, one must have a combination of technical knowledge, mechanical skills, and hands-on experience. Technical knowledge involves understanding the principles of aircraft construction, materials, and design.

Mechanical skills involve the ability to read and interpret blueprints, use tools, and work with precision equipment. Hands-on experience is gained by working on actual aircraft and performing basic maintenance tasks. To become a proficient aeronautical structural mechanic, individuals must also have excellent problem-solving skills and be able to work well with others.

Having these qualities will enable the mechanics to identify and solve any potential problems quickly and efficiently, ensuring that aircraft operate safely and remain in good working condition.

You may want to check Aeronautical Systems Engineer, Aeronautical Flight Test Engineer, and Aeronautical Component Technician for alternative.

Job Description

Inspect and repair aircraft structural components, including wings, tails, fuselages, and other components.
Install structural components and hardware including rivets, bolts, and nuts.
Perform preventive maintenance on aircraft structural components.
Create and modify structural components using hand tools, power tools, and welding equipment.
Read and interpret blueprints and work orders.
Monitor aircraft performance following structural component repairs.
Perform routine maintenance on aircraft engines, systems, and components.
Operate lifts and hoists to move heavy parts and components.
Troubleshoot and repair aircraft components according to manufacturers specifications.
Reassemble aircraft parts after inspection and repair.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of aircraft materials and components
Knowledge of aircraft structural repair techniques
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, schematics, and technical manuals
Ability to use hand and power tools
Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations
Ability to use precision measuring instruments
Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
Ability to identify and troubleshoot aircraft structural problems
Ability to work in a safe and efficient manner
Knowledge of safety protocols and procedures

Aeronautical Structural Mechanics are responsible for the maintenance, repair and overhaul of aircraft structures and components. The most important skill for them to have is attention to detail. From inspecting rivets and seams to ensuring that every component is properly assembled, Aeronautical Structural Mechanics must pay close attention to their work in order to ensure safety and accuracy.

Furthermore, they must be well-versed in aircraft maintenance regulations, be able to read and interpret blueprints, and be knowledgeable in the use of specialized tools and machinery. Without the proper attention to detail and knowledge, a mistake can have serious consequences such as compromising the structural integrity of the aircraft or leading to an accident. Therefore, having a keen eye for detail and an understanding of aircraft maintenance regulations are essential skills for an Aeronautical Structural Mechanic.

Aeronautical Design Engineer, Aeronautical Technician, and Aeronautical Instrumentation Technician are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

How familiar are you with aircraft structural mechanics?
What experience have you had working with composite materials?
How have you handled challenging projects or difficult tasks in the past?
What safety procedures do you follow when working on aircraft structures?
How do you ensure accuracy when working with complex structural designs?
What techniques do you use to troubleshoot and diagnose issues in aircraft structural components?
How do you stay up-to-date on new technologies and advancements in aeronautics?
In what ways have you contributed to the development of composite materials or structural mechanics in the past?
Describe a time when you identified and resolved a problem with an aircraft structure.
How do you keep track of parts, tools, and other materials when working on aircraft structures?

Common Tools in Industry

Electric Drill. A power tool used to drill holes into various materials. (eg: drilling holes into a steel beam)
Safety Goggles. Protective eyewear used to protect the eyes from debris and other hazards. (eg: protecting the eyes while grinding a metal surface)
Torque Wrench. A tool used to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts to a specified torque. (eg: tightening a bolt on an aircraft wing)
Hammer. A hand tool used for striking, pounding, or driving an object into another. (eg: pounding in a rivet on an aircraft fuselage)
Screwdriver. A tool used to turn screws or bolts, typically with a handle and a tip in the shape of a slot or star. (eg: tightening screws on an aircraft frame)
Metal Snips. Hand tools used for cutting metal sheets and bar-stock into desired shapes and sizes. (eg: cutting a piece of aluminum sheeting)
Countersink Tool. A tool used to create a sink in a material so that a bolt, screw, or rivet can be inserted flush with the surface. (eg: countersinking a hole in an aircraft skin)
Rivet Gun. A tool used to insert rivets into materials to join them together. (eg: joining two pieces of aluminum together)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations (IAOPA)
Aircraft Maintenance Technicians Association (AMTA)
Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC)
National Air Transportation Association (NATA)
Aerospace Industries Association (AIA)
Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA)
Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA)
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)
National Business Aviation Association (NBAA)
International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW)

We also have Aeronautical Scientist, Aeronautical Manufacturing Technician, and Aeronautical Systems Analyst jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Structural Repair. The process of repairing physical damage to a structure.
Aircraft Design. The development of the physical and performance characteristics of an aircraft.
Fabrication. The process of constructing an object from raw materials or components.
Stress Analysis. The evaluation of structural elements to determine their ability to withstand specified loads.
Fastening. The process of attaching components together using mechanical fasteners such as rivets and bolts.
Sheet Metal Work. The process of forming, cutting, and shaping thin sheets of metal into complex shapes.
Welding. The process of joining two or more pieces of metal by melting and fusing them together.
Corrosion Control. The prevention or delaying of corrosion damage to aircraft structures.
Composite Materials. Materials consisting of two or more different materials that are chemically bonded together.
Nondestructive Testing. A method of testing materials without causing permanent damage to the material.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Aeronautical Structural Mechanic?

An Aeronautical Structural Mechanic is a technician who repairs, maintains and inspects aircraft structures and components, such as the fuselage, wings, and landing gear.

What qualifications are required for the job?

To become an Aeronautical Structural Mechanic, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent, plus successful completion of an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school.

What are the duties of an Aeronautical Structural Mechanic?

An Aeronautical Structural Mechanic's primary duties include inspecting and repairing aircraft structures, components and systems; performing routine maintenance on aircraft; and troubleshooting any issues that arise.

What tools are used by an Aeronautical Structural Mechanic?

An Aeronautical Structural Mechanic typically uses a variety of hand and power tools, such as wrenches, drills, rivet guns and saws, to perform repairs and maintenance on aircraft.